Panic Attacks

At anytime the onset of a panic attack can happen; when you are at home, in your car, in public or pretty much anywhere. The direct cause of panic attack symptoms have no yet been inpointed by researchers. The cause of panic attack symptoms is believed to be a hereditary condition by many researchers, but other believe the main cause can be stress or fear. In every victim the symptoms always remain the same even though there is no defined cause of a panic attack. The same symptoms as a life threatening experience are reflected in a panic attack as research has shown. During a panic attack the same fear is felt similar to the fear during a life-threatening situation.

You Aren’t Really Dying

A sudden tightening of the chest followed by an extreme increase of heart rate are the symptoms in a panic attack. The person will feel nauseated, dizzy and sometimes a person may even faint as a result of the increased heart rate. Some people may even feel as if they are dying as a cause of panic attack symptoms. Anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours can be the duration of these symptoms.

An effect of stress or nerves used to be what doctors looked at as the cause of panic attack symptoms. The patient was sent on their way and the diagnosis was overlooked. A medication schedule is now used by doctors to treat the panic attack and help prevent any future attacks. To help a person understand the probable cause of a panic attack counseling may also be recommended to help handle oncoming attacks.

Medications Available to Help Alleviate the Cause of Panic Attack Symptoms

To help with prevention or the cause of panic attack symptoms there are many medications now on the market. Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil are some anti-depression medications that doctors have been prescribing. The effects are relieved and sometimes the panic attack can be eliminated all together with these medications. The anxiety levels in a patient are relieved with the help of the medication and it is believed the anxiety levels are the main cause of a panic attack. A patient will feel more relaxed and less susceptible to experience an attack by taking these medications.

A doctor will likely refer to a cognitive behavior specialist in addition to the medication. You will experience two different types of therapy during a cognitive therapy session. Behavioral therapy is the concentration of the first therapy and cognitive therapy is the other. Cognitive therapy will help focus on determining when the believed cause of the panic attack is and also what triggers or worsens the attack. Different ways of managing the cause of a panic attack are learned with behavioral therapy. Relaxation techniques and concentrated breathing techniques are some of the common behavioral exercises.

The believed cause of a panic attack will be attacked by a combination of these two therapies which can help prevent future attacks. Sometimes a panic attack can be dangerous and they are also a very frightening experience. Future treatment is highly recommended even if you make it through a panic episode. If it happens, do not ignore a panic attack. Rather seek help and find the cause so you can avoid any future attacks.